Pennell latest to pledge future to Warriors

WARRIORS full-back Chris Pennell has extended his Sixways career by two more years having become the 12th member of the current squad to sign a new contract.

The 30-year-old England international has played all his club rugby for Warriors having joined form Old Swinford Hospital School and progressed through the Academy system at Sixways to make more than 200 senior appearances since his debut in 2007.

Pennell, who is in the middle of a well-earned Testimonial season with Warriors, remains a key member of Alan Solomons’ squad and a role model for the club’s younger players.

Pennell said: “I have been here a long time and the body is feeling really good. I am still enjoying my rugby and I still feel that I am learning a lot.

“Certainly for the next two years I want to push my standards on but I also want to influence the next generation in a really positive way and do what I can to bring a couple of youngsters into the fold as well.

“The exciting thing for me is what this club is going to look like in three or four years’ time. I might not be in a playing position by that stage but if I can influence some of these youngsters so that they are absolutely flying three or four years from now I will look back and be really proud.

“This club has been my life for the last 13 years. I am incredibly passionate about the place and about taking us to the next level. I truly think that we have got the group of players and coaches to really kick on.”

Pennell, a former Warriors captain and vice-captain, is the top career points scorer in the current squad with almost 400 including 39 tries, with 10 of them coming in the 2014/15 Championship-winning campaign.

Warriors Director of Rugby Solomons said: “Chris has been an unbelievable servant of the club.

“He is a Warriors man to his bootstraps and his contribution has been immense. He is an outstanding player, brilliant team man and serves on the leadership group.

“Perhaps, more importantly, he is an absolutely top-class bloke. We are extremely fortunate to have him here at Sixways and it is terrific news that he is extending his stay with us.”

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